Zabdiel Adams to John Adams

Having a very Convenient opportunity of Conveying a Line to you, by the Revd. Mr.
Whitney (who being an invalid, sets out tomorrow on a journey to Philadelphia for
his health,) I cannot but embrace it, just to let you know that though you are separated
from me by a great distance of way, yet that you, and the respectable body to which you belong are often in my thoughts. I rejoice
to find that the members of that illustrious house have been so generally united in
the important measures of the present day, and that such immediate and ready obedience
is yielded, by the respective Colonies, to your resolves and the significations of
your Pleasure. It is truly surprizing that any body of men acting above and without the forms of the Constitution, and having no authority but what is founded in reason, honor, and Love of Liberty, should be able to manage the affairs of so great a Continent, and give harmonious
motion to so many people, of different customs, educations, forms of Government and
modes of religion! But strange as it is, we have found it realized in event. However,
it appears to me that it is not safe long to depend on an authority held by such precarious
tenure. Whilst in our present unsettled state with respect { 7 } to Government we Lye exposed to a thousand dangers. Persons of enterprizing and disaffectd
minds have too good an opportunity of forming parties, creating disunion and carrying
into execution their evil designs. It is therefore, on this account, greatly to be
wished that the Congress would declare us independant of Great Britain, and that one
general form of Government might be soon instituted over the whole of the united Colonies.
And if, as we hear, forreign assistance cannot be obtained till a declaration of independency
is made, methinks this is another cogent reason why it should be made immediately.
We have accounts of a very formidable armament coming against us, this summer. A vigorous
and strenuous opposition must be made against them. But have we sufficiency of strength
to make such an one among ourselves. I Doubt not. Why then is any time Lost in removing
any obstacles in the way of our availing ourselves of forreign aid? With Pleasure
I hear that most of the southern Colonies are now in favour of a Separation from Great
Britain, and some have instructd their members to see that it is effected. We are
very hearty in this measure in this part of the Continent, and are ardently wishing
it may soon take place, as the most probable means of saving America from ruin. However,
we confide in the well known abilities of the Congress, and patiently wait their determination
on this most important Question.

Thus, with a familiarity becoming only the peculiar intimacy that formerly subsisted
between us, have I communicatd to you my sentiments of independancy. I can assure
you we hold the Congress in high estimation in this part of the world, and shall be
very likely to submit with almost an implicit obedience to your resolves and directions;
but as Common Sense teaches us that there can never be a cordial reconciliation between Great Britain
and this Country, so we could ever wish to be heard as pleading for an immediate declaration
of independence.

I have no material News to write you. The People this way do not appear intimidated
by the reports of 55 Thousand men coming to attack and lay us waste. I hope our Courage
will not fail us in the day of Battle. But we are not to trust in the number, valor,
or regularity of well appointed and well disciplined Soldiers, but in the Lord of
host[s] and God of armies; for as King Jehosophat said, we have no might against the great
company that cometh against us, neither know we what to do, but our eyes should be
up to God.

The People of Braintree I hear are in General well, and presume your family is so
in particular. Mine is at present in comfortable { 8 } circumstances. Sickness has much prevaild among the Children this way, and is not
yet totally removed. The season is cold, dry in some places, and backward. Our Prospects
with regard to the fruits of the earth are at present discouraging. The Lord be merciful
to us.

I should be extremely glad to receive a Letter from you, telling me the news, and
informing what are your views and expectations in the present perplexd state of our
affairs. Watchman what of the Night? Whilst you in your exalted station, are concerting
political measures for the Salvation of America, I in my meek and humble one, am pointing
out the moral causes of our desorders, and calling upon the People to repent. In this,
the way of Duty, we are hoping for better times, but if they never come to us in this
world, I hope when we Leave it, we shall both go to a place of profound peace and
tranquility, where, as there is no sin, so there is no sorrow; where Judah will not
vex Ephraim, nor Ephraim envy Judah; where nation shall no more rise against nation,
neither practise fighting any more.

I conclude by assuring you that my best wishes attend you and the other members of
the Congress; that God would impart to you necessary wisdom, teach you the things
that belong to our peace, guide your Counsels, continue your union, and make you the
happy instruments of Establishing the Liberties of America on a perpetual basis.

John Adams to Peter Boylston Adams

[dateline] Philadelphia June 15. 1776

[salute] My dear Brother

I have an Account of the Politicks of the Town of Braintree; but it is an imperfect
one. I wish you would write me, a clear, and distinct one. . . .1 I am told there was a Tie, between your Hon. Brigadier General and You, and that,
in order to get a Decision in his Favour he was obliged to declare that he would leave
the Board for the Sake of serving the Town.2 I should be glad to learn a little of Motives and Politicks upon this Occasion.

How is it? You leave me in the dark: you dont tell me whether I have the Honour to
be a select Man, or not, or who are select Men, nor any Thing about Town Affairs.
. . . Do you think that, because I am half a thousand miles off, I never think about
you and that I dont { 9 } want to know this, and that and the other?—I do, indeed.—You may at any Time send
a Letter to the Post Office in Boston, it will be brought to me free of Expence, to
you, or me. . . . I am greatly at a Loss to account for the Conduct of your Hon. Councillor
and gallant Brigadier, upon this Occasion. Pray explain it. Ask Mr. Norton3—what it means.